Contents

The Role of Sealants in Caries Prevention

While underutilized, this preventive tool is key to reducing the prevalence of tooth decay. By Jean Hall, DHEd, CHES®, RDH, Susan Vogell, EdD, RDH

The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2020/2021 recipient of the Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is announced. By The Editors

Guest Editorial: Dental Hygienists Play a Critical Role

The skills and knowledge of this key dental team member are needed today more than ever before. By John S. Sottosanti, DDS, Charles M. Cobb, DDS, MS, PhD

Human Proteome Mapping in Dentistry

Proteomics may soon be used to predict, diagnose, and monitor a number of oral and systemic diseases. By Windy L. Rothmund, RDH, MSDH

Managing Dental Anxiety

Dental hygienists play a key role in identifying patients with dental anxiety and implementing effective treatment strategies. By Sarah B. Hoerler, RDH, MS, Sydney G. Hunter, RDH, BS

Caring for Patients With Down Syndrome

Individuals with Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, have specific oral health considerations that clinicians should be prepared to address. By Pankaja Priya Kanagaraj, BDS, RDH, JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA

Oral Health Effects of Breast Cancer Therapy

Remaining up to date on breast cancer treatments and their implications is integral to advising this population on maintaining their oral health. By Rebecca Schmidt, RDH, BSDH, Ewa Posorski, RDH, BS, MS, Iwonka T. Eagle, RDH, MS

The Collaboration Continues

In the April 2021 Editor’s Note, I reviewed the findings from a joint project between the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Health Policy Institute. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Ensuring Safe Mask Selection

I am currently temping in different offices where I find a variety of mask choices. While, the N95 is top of the line, I am most often provided with a level 3 surgical mask. What is your opinion about wearing a level 3 mask under the face shield? By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS, CDIPC

Practice Solutions: Improve the Ergonomics and Efficiency of Clinical Practice With a New Cordless Handpiece

Pac-Dent’s lightweight ProMate offers myriad benefits—from dual-mode speed control to longlasting battery life. By Pac-Dent

June 2021 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Researchers Suggest Gene-Based Therapy May Help Regenerate Teeth

As adults live longer, demand for dental implants continues to grow. By The Editors

Embracing Change Over a Lifetime

Haven’t we all faced a multitude of challenges over a lifetime? By Sunie Keller, RN, RDH, BS, CLNC

Study Reveals COVID-19 Pathway From the Oral Cavity to Lungs

Compared to other risk factors, periodontal diseases and poor oral hygiene may be more accurate predictors of COVID-19 severity, a new study has found. By The Editors

Rural Children Less Likely to Receive Dental Care

A study led by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina has found children living in rural areas are less likely to receive preventive dental care than urban children. By The Editors

June 2021 Digital Agenda

Digital Agenda covers all that’s happening under Dimensions’ social media platforms. By The Editors

June 2021 Social Commentary

Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page to share your thoughts on posted questions. By The Editors